William E. Munson Delivers Two Aluminum Packcats
The William E. Munson Company recently delivered a 30-x 10-ft. Packcat welded aluminum landing craft designed as a commercial kayak hauler and private sports boat. Powered by twin 225 hp Yamaha outboards, it tops out at 45 mph and cruises at 30 mph burning under 16 gallons per hour. Additional outfitting includes a 7-ft.-wide by 9.5-ft. long wheelhouse, inside seating for six passengers, Force 10 cozy cabin heater, removable kayak racks, Furuno 16 mile radar with interfaced GPS navigator and full Dupont Marine hull and house paint system. The standard 74-in. wide bow door, 12.5-ft. long self-bailing cargo deck and 5,000-lb. cargo capacity and provide versatility.
Markets:Eyes and Ears on the Water
Since the 9/11 attack there has obviously been increased emphasis on getting more eyes, ears and in some cases firepower on America's ports and inland waterways. Homeland security has become a top priority for the U.S. Coast Guard and numerous other Federal, state and local agencies. Patrol boats offer a relatively low cost solution to increasing security on America's waterways and in and around ports. These vessels range from RIB's with outboard motors to aluminum-hulled craft with high horsepower diesel engines enabling them to quickly reach and maintain high speeds often required for interdiction. Fortunately America was building capable patrol boats before 9/11. The mission of these vessels prior to 9/11 was mostly drug interdiction, search and rescue and/or border security.
